Ahmedabad: Adani Group's nationwide outreach
for Vande Bharatam, the grassroots innovation movement launched by Mr.
Gautam Adani, Chairman, Adani Group, continued this week with meetings
with Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers across several states,
including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Kerala, Puducherry, Odisha, Assam,
Telangana, Meghalaya, Maharashtra, Haryana and others. Group
representatives presented a Vande Bharatam kit to each leader, comprising a
memento, in the respective state’s language featuring a personal appeal, and a
letter from Mr. Gautam Adani.
The outreach is part of a nationwide effort to encourage participation
from every State and Union Territory and ensure that promising innovators from
every region are aware of the opportunity. The meetings focused on encouraging
innovation, entrepreneurship and youth talent, with discussions centered on how
Vande Bharatam can help young innovators access mentorship, industry connect
and a national platform to convert their ideas into startups. Leaders across
states welcomed the initiative and its potential to give fresh momentum to
local innovation ecosystems.
Launched on June
25, 2026, Vande Bharatam was conceived to address a stark gap in India's
startup landscape: despite being among the world's largest startup ecosystems,
over 80% of India's founders emerge from just five cities, leaving talent from over
800 districts across India largely unseen. The initiative is open to
participants of all ages and backgrounds, with no registered start-up required
- only an idea and the determination to build. Seventy-five finalists selected
through a multi-stage process will be invited to Ahmedabad for an immersive
mentorship programme, investor access and a Grand Finale around Independence
Day.
Mr. Gautam Adani, Chairman, Adani Group, said: "The response to Vande Bharatam has moved me deeply. Crossing 25,000
applications is not just a number, it is proof of the extraordinary talent and
ambition that exists in every corner of Bharat and beyond, waiting for the
right platform. The support extended by Chief Ministers across the country
reaffirms that when government and industry come together, we can unlock
opportunity for every young innovator, regardless of where they come
from."
Since its launch, Vande Bharatam has received an outstanding response,
with over 25,000 applications received so far and counting, from across
sectors, categories, countries, states and social strata. In view of the
overwhelming response and the quality of talent emerging through the programme,
the last date for applications has been extended to July 30, 2026.